Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is implementing hot weather protocols to keep animals safe.

Anytime temperatures reach 85 degrees, the zoo gives animals plenty of fresh water, access to indoor shade with air conditioning and postpones any medical procedures.

"Stress can be averse to their health," director Gregg Dancho says. "Animal welfare, animal care is paramount especially when the weather starts getting warm."

Zoo officials say keeping animals well-fed in the heat is also important for their metabolism.